Neoprene scope covers

[Laniarius]

Does anyone here use a neoprene scope cover in Africa? I wonder how they would perform in really dusty environments.

 

[Divernhunter]

I used them on my scopes until I took the rifles out of the travel case. Then nothing. That is why you carry a lens pen which you will probably not need to use much. It was that way both times I went to SA. 1st trip 12 full days of hunting spot and stalk and the 2nd there for a month with spot and stalk hunting about 15+ full days and hunting out of a blind about 10 days.

Also leave those stupid flip up caps off the scopes. They will cost you an animal sooner or later.

Do not overthink it.

 

[TTundra]

I use them just for transit.

I actually prefer to use flip up covers when hunting with scoped rifles. To me, it's just as quick and second nature as flipping a safety. Much easier to flip a cover open and closed once or twice than constantly clean the lens. My objective would get covered in dust and dirt quickly in the truck let alone on a stall and working thru the bush. If you spend money on quality optics, you want to have the view theu quality glass and not a hazy image. I flip the covers in one motion as I shoulder the rifle. Practice it and it wont be an issue. Just my .02

 

[gordon kings langley]

Hunted for many years in SA, no flip covers. Keep a lens pen in your pocket

 

[Nyati]

I never use flip covers, almost cost me a great Kudu on my first safari.

I do use the neoprene cover while on the truck,and it comes off when I start walking, I also use special lens wipes.

 

[Divernhunter]

Yes I have had 2 friends have the scope flip up cost them the only animal they could shoot on expensive guided hunts here in the USA.
I just carry a lens pen with me. Never had so much dust that I could not make a good shot on an animal but then I, also, use quality optics.

I just tell those that use them...……..just wait if you hunt enough it will happen. The truth is if you only hunt from a stand(and over food/water) the caps may not hurt you. For spot and stalk and other hunting you will someday lose an animal

 

[K-man]

My Africa trips I have a soft case that rides in the rack (open) that my gun cradles in. No need for a scope cover.

 

[TTundra]

If you hunt enough you'll forget to flip a safety and hear a click. You'll also forget to chamber a round, or potentially short stroke. You'll step on a stick and hear it crack. You'll be winded by the animal. You'll even have the dnr walk up and ruin a Turkey strut if you hunt long enough.

I watched many great animals not present an ethical shit and had to watch them walk away as well.

Bottom line for me, optics and the hunt cost a lot of money. I want my scopes lenses in the best condition for they shot. Even the best coatings get worn down with repeated dirt, dust, and water. If you need to clean your lenses in a hurry you'll probably use your shirt which is a big no no in optics.

For me, after hunting a very long time, what's solved that issue and protected my glass was flip covers. As I said, if you practice with them, it's just second nature.

To the OP, the o ly hunt I would not use flip covers on is DG. My life is obviously more valuable to me than a scope.

 

[crs]

mmmm?? Guess none of this applies to express or aperture sights.
Maybe I have saved myself a lot of fuss and worry by just using irons.

 

[wesheltonj]

I wish I had, dust everywhere from riding in the gun rack and drinking down the sand roads

 

[BWH]

They are definitely worth the $5 they cost.... you can get custom ones... however, typically they are generic. Depending upon where you hunt. Worth every penny. Dust alone... not to mention moisture, mud, etc.

 

[Buckdog]

Neopreme scope cover are fine for travel or any of the various other brands BUT once the guns come out of the case and you load her up it is time to loose the scope covers of any and all sorts including PIA flip up ones. Play with flip up covers and you will eventually loose some chances at trophy animals while you try and flip them open the critter will be gone. I just stick a lens pen or soft lens cloth in pocket use as needed. I am hard on equipment in the field and don't baby em and have never scratched a scope lens yet.

 

[Divernhunter]

^^^ I am with you. I have been hunting since the 1960's with leupold scopes. Never ruined a lens yet. They will repair/replace it if I did. I did send in a couple of 1960's scopes to be freshened up. They replaced them with new ones. I still have the original leupold scope on one rifle I have used a lot since 1970. I have managed to dent it but it has never changed zero and still works just fine. IF I wreck a scope I will replace it IF the factory will not(they always have including one blown apart when a rife self-destructed with factory ammo). It is no different from when replacing a barrel when you wear it out.
My firearms and my scopes are tools to be used. They are not some piece of art or china that need to be coddled when I am hunting or shooting. That includes a couple of $5000+ rifles. If they cannot be used(not abused) then they are not worth having for me. If you are so concerned about a little dust/water/scratches or whatever maybe you should consider knitting and not hunting/shooting. Just hang them on the wall and look at them.

 

[TTundra]

My firearms and my scopes are tools to be used. They are not some piece of art or china that need to be coddled when I am hunting or shooting. That includes a couple of $5000+ rifles. If they cannot be used(not abused) then they are not worth having for me. If you are so concerned about a little dust/water/scratches or whatever maybe you should consider knitting and not hunting/shooting. Just hang them on the wall and look at them.

That's cute. You fiddle with a lens pen in the field, and I flip a cover. If someone doesnt do what you do it doesnt mean it's worse or better, it means it's different but still works. Still rather hunt and take a shot on an animal thru a clear lens....but that's just me and how I hunt....and its OK to be different Diver, no need for petty repertoire or whose is bigger.

 

[Divernhunter]

^^^ Just so you will know. My post had nothing to do with you. I actually was thinking about a friend(he is dead now) that always carried his rifle in a soft case with scope flip up on it and a towel over it so it did not get dust or scratched. I never could understand why if he was so concerned about dust or a scratch he bothered to take it hunting.
To further set you straight I carry a lens pen but rarely use it except the end of the day. I still see quite well enough that I have never lost an animal due to a dirty lens. If the lens gets rain/snow on it no big deal it comes off and I can still shoot. IF you need a perfectly 100% clear lens to shoot I could care less. Most of the rest of us are not so anal about it. Again I do not care what you do.
Where the hell did the "bigger" part come from? You feel insecure or just wanting to start something? You are not "cute" and if you want to be an ass you are doing well. You post were just looking for trouble and then you cry foul if you "think" someone calls you on it.

I am done with this thread and you. I will post no more because you are not worth the time and the kind of people I would not want to be with.

 

[TTundra]

Your second post referenced my first post which was my opinion to the OP, whom asked about covers. Third post argues again the difference in opinion and tries to elicit a predetermined response. (Knitting, art, tools, etc)

Differences in hunting style and equipment are OK. One is not 'less' of a hunter if they prefer to use lens caps, a bino harness vs safari carry, or Leupold scopes vs. Bushnell scopes. To ridicule or belittle based on a different working technique, style, or method is wrong....and passive aggressiveness warrants a bit of sarcasm

 

[Laniarius]

Thanks, everyone, for your replies.

It seems that opinions on scope cover vs. no scope cover vary, and some like a cover but not the flip kind. Personally I don't like the flip kind because I could easily see myself forgetting to open it as I bring up the rifle for a shot. To date I've only used the stock cup and string type cover and typically have it off in the field in central Ontario for deer hunting. The neoprene type appeals to me because they're quick to remove and it's obvious when they're on a scope. So, if I were to do extended walks where I'd want to cover the lenses against brush or dust, they seem like a good idea to me. I was wondering, based on people's experiences in Africa (or similar environments) if maybe the neoprene cover collected grit or something like that.

I realize it's not a huge dollar outlay to get a neoprene cover and no tragedy if you lose one. Just wondering about experiences with them in the heat and dust. The thoughts on not using a cover at all are also appreciated.

 

[TTundra]

No real draw back to heat and dust with a neoprene cover. Just that you need one hand to remove it to prepare for the shot.
If you dont mind that movement and can spare the hand when the time arrives, it can work for you. I dont think I've seen them used other than for transit though.

 

[Laniarius]

While deer hunting last week I observed a good reason for a scope cover: while seated with the rifle next to me, snow piled up in the scope. It was a wet and slushy snow and I had to bail early the first day for fear that I wouldn't be able to drive out from where I was. After cleaning out the slush, I just put the factory cap cover on the front lens so it would be easy to remove. Anyway I later got around to picking up a neoprene one from Cabela's.

 

[sierraone]

Neopreme scope cover are fine for travel or any of the various other brands BUT once the guns come out of the case and you load her up it is time to loose the scope covers of any and all sorts including PIA flip up ones.

Absolutely!